Understanding Your Ostomy
Every year, thousands of people undergo colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy surgeries. Learn more about what to expect.
-
Colostomy
A colostomy is a surgically created opening into the colon through the abdomen. Its purpose is to allow the stool to bypass a diseased or damaged part of the colon. The output from a colostomy includes liquid or formed stool (or somewhere in between), gas, and odor.Ileostomy
An ileostomy is a surgically created opening into the small intestine through the abdomen. With an ileostomy, a section of the small intestine and large intestine (colon) have been removed or bypassed. The output from an ileostomy after surgery is generally a steady liquid type of drainage. Over time though the stool will become thicker and more paste-like.Urostomy
A urostomy is a surgically created opening to drain urine. A urostomy allows urine to flow out of the body after the bladder has been removed or bypassed. The output from a urostomy is urine and possibly some mucus. -
Hollister has developed a series of ostomy educational videos. Topics include explanations of the different types of ostomy surgeries, along with discussions of important lifestyle issues, including diet, recreational activities, personal relationships, traveling, and more.
Living with your ostomy
Living with Your Ostomy
This 5-minute video provides ostomy patients and caregivers with practical answers to lifestyle questions about diet, recreational activities, personal relationships, traveling, and more.
View VideoThe Hollister Experience: How We Can Help
We believe in continuity of care, from providing educational materials for you to developing customized products that empower your active lifestyle.
View VideoHow to Measure Your Stoma
Your stoma is unique. Learn how to fit a pouch to minimize stomal and skin irritation and obtain optimal wear time.
View VideoLiving with a stoma: the patient perspective
Using pouching systems
Using ostomy accessories
-
Topics include explanations of the different types of ostomy surgeries, along with discussions or important lifestyle changes.
Understanding your ostomy
Understanding Your Colostomy
Want to know more about your surgery? The difference between a one-piece and a two-piece pouching system? Activity, exercise, and sports? All this and more are discussed in Understanding Your Colostomy.
Learn MoreUnderstanding Your Ileostomy
Want to know more about your surgery? Common features found in an ileostomy pouch? Routine care of your ileostomy? Work and exercise? All this and more are discussed in Understanding Your Ileostomy.
Learn MoreUnderstanding Your Urostomy
Want to know more about your surgery? Urostomy pouches? Skin care? Diet? Clothing? Work? Travel? Activity, exercise, and sports? All this and more are discussed in Understanding Your Urostomy.
Learn MoreWhat's right for me?
Are you sure you are using the right pouch? Products used successfully in the hospital are not always the best ones to use once you are home and active. The What's Right series helps you explore discreet, easy-to-use alternatives.Colostomy: What's Right for Me?
Help deciding which colostomy products will work best for you.
View PDFIleostomy: What's Right for Me?
Help deciding which ileostomy products will work best for you.
View PDFUrostomy: What's Right for Me?
Help deciding which urostomy products will work best for you.
View PDFCaregiver booklets
Caring for Your Loved One with an Ostomy
Are you responsible for caring for someone with an ostomy? This caregiver booklet provides you with helpful information for taking care of a person with an ostomy and for taking care of yourself in the process.
View PDFCaring for Your Child with an Ostomy
If your child has an ostomy, you will no doubt have concerns about the special care that he or she will need. This caregiver booklet helps supplement information you receive from your doctors and nurses.
View PDFCaring for Your Child with an Ostomy - Spanish
If your child has an ostomy, you will no doubt have concerns about the special care that he or she will need. This caregiver booklet helps supplement information you receive from your doctors and nurses in Spanish.
View PDFLifestyle booklets
Are you ready to take the next step? The Lifestyle series is for the more experienced person living with a stoma who wants detailed information on specific topics.Sex and Parenthood
This booklet is about sexual relationships and how getting pregnant might fit into the lifestyles of men and women with stomas.
View PDFHome and Work Life
Helpful information about the decisions you will make as you resume your personal and work life.
View PDF -
We recognize the importance of education. These ostomy care tips have been designed to assist you in your patient and nursing education activities.
Ostomy Care
Convexity
One-Piece Pouching Systems
Two-Piece Pouching Systems
Accessories
Lock 'n Roll Closure
Pediatric Products
Medicare Reimbursement Guide